§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date the Alsetex CS gas dispenser was approved by the police scientific and development branch at St. Albans for use by Home Office constabularies; and which alternative products were(a) tested and (b) approved; [16679]
(2) what chemical is used as the solvent in the Alsetex CS gas dispenser approved by the police scientific and development branch. [16680]
§ Mr. MacleanDecisions about the selection of police protective equipment are a matter for chief police officers. The Association of Police Chief Officers announced its choice of equipment marketed by SAE Alsetex for operational trials of CS sprays on 19 October 1995. It chose this equipment following advice from the police scientific and development branch about a variety of CS spray devices. The solvent used in the Alsetex equipment is methyl isobutyl ketone.